Kardea's Gullah-Inspired Shrimp and Grits Recipe

Kardea's Gullah-Style Shrimp and Grits

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Nutritional Information (per serving): Calories 705, Total Fat 27 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Carbohydrates 80 g, Dietary Fiber 5 g, Sugar 2 g, Protein 35 g, Cholesterol 202 mg, Sodium 820 mg
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Active Cooking: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 strips of bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound medium-sized wild shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra if necessary
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder, with additional amounts as needed
• 1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil, more if required
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 cups quick-cooking grits, prepared according to package directions
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced diagonally

Instructions

1. Fire up a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook the bacon until perfectly crisp. Remove the strips, but keep those flavorful drippings in the pan. Toss in the chopped onion and saut on medium-low, stirring until softened with beautiful brown bits forming at the bottomabout 3 minutes. This is where the magic of Gullah flavors begins![1][2]
2. In a large bowl, season the fresh wild shrimp with sea salt and black pepper. Dust with 1/4 cup flour and a generous sprinkle of garlic powder, then toss to coat. Let it rest while the skillet heats up, building anticipation for that golden gravy.
3. Crank the heat to medium-high, add the canola oil, and test it with a pinch of flourif it sizzles, stir in the remaining 1/4 cup flour. Cook with the onions, drizzling more oil if needed, until it turns a tempting light brown roux, the heart of this soulful dish.
4. Stir in the shrimp and crispy bacon. Gradually whisk in hot water, bringing it to a gentle boil. Simmer, stirring often, for 5-10 minutes until the gravy thickens to a rich brown hue. Taste and boost with extra salt, pepper, or garlic powder for your perfect kick.
5. Spoon this irresistible shrimp gravy over steaming grits and crown with diagonally sliced green onions. Dive into authentic Gullah comfort that'll transport you to the Lowcountryyour taste buds will thank you![12]